7 Signs You May Need Root Canal Retreatment

7 Signs You May Need Root Canal Retreatment

Every year, millions of people have root canal therapy to treat teeth badly damaged by decay or trauma, avoiding tooth loss and restoring normal function and appearance.

In most instances, the results of root canal treatment last for years. But sometimes, a treated tooth develops other problems, like additional decay or damage. In these cases, root canal retreatment may be necessary.

As a leading endodontics practice, Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC specializes in the most advanced root canal retreatment procedures using state-of-the-art techniques. In this post, our team reviews some of the most common signs that could mean you need root canal retreatment.

1. Toothache

Persistent or severe tooth pain is a common reason for having a root canal in the first place. It’s also an indication that a treated tooth may need to be retreated. 

The pain might feel sharp and stabbing or dull and achy, typically becoming worse when you bite or apply pressure to the tooth. This type of persistent or recurrent pain often indicates an infection that needs to be reevaluated and potentially retreated. 

2. Tooth sensitivity

Many people have tooth sensitivity prior to a root canal, but since the procedure removes the tooth’s nerves, sensitivity issues should subside afterward. 

If your tooth is still sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, it could indicate your original procedure was incomplete or there’s a new infection. 

3. Gum swelling or tenderness

Gum swelling and tenderness are other possible signs that a root canal has failed. The swelling usually happens when an infection is present, but it can also happen if the tooth or crown is damaged or cracked. Swelling accompanied by pain or foul-tasting drainage is a definite sign that you need to be evaluated right away.

4. Bump, lump, or pimple on your gum

A lump or pimple-like lump on your gum near the treated tooth could mean you have an abscess or other underlying infection. Lumps or bumps form when fluids from the infection build up under your gum. 

Ignoring a lump or bump on your gum allows the underlying infection to spread. A lump could also be a sign of oral cancer, so it should never be ignored.

5. Persistent bad breath

Tooth infections involve bacteria, and as those bacteria multiply, they typically release foul-smelling by-products. 

If you have bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing and mouthwash, or if you have bad breath that keeps coming back, it could be an indication that you need a root canal retreatment. 

6. Jaw pain or facial swelling

Sometimes, the symptoms of a failed root canal can extend beyond the immediate area of the treated tooth. 

Depending on the extent of the infection, you might have swelling in your cheek or jaw area, ear pain, sore throat, headache, or even fever. 

7. Traumatic damage to the tooth or mouth

Traumatic damage to a tooth previously treated with root canal therapy doesn’t automatically mean you need retreatment, but it definitely means you should have the tooth evaluated to make sure the tooth and the crown covering it are undamaged. 

The same is true if you have damage to your mouth caused by traumatic events like falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.

Don’t ignore your symptoms

Root canal retreatment can help save your natural tooth and avoid tooth loss or extraction. Knowing these signs and acting on them helps you get treatment as soon as possible for relief of symptoms and improved long-term oral health. 

To have your symptoms evaluated, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.

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